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Hello NFB members and interested list serv members,<br>
<br>
I am writing for two purposes:<br>
<br>
I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice. I am
currently applying to be a provider on various insurance panels.
One of the requirements is to fill out a CAQH application which is where
the insurance providers inquire about my credentials. I am reaching
out to see if anyone has or is currently in the process of filling out
this application and having difficulty with the CAQH application process
using screen access software such as JAWS or Magic? <br>
<br>
Secondly, as president of the Human Services division of the NFB, I am
gathering information for a resource on our up and coming web site.
We are looking for counselors who are licensed or being supervised by a
licensed professional, that are able to offer counseling and supportive
services to persons who are newly blind or losing eye sight. Who
better to help these individuals with the emotional component of loss of
eye sight than those with Federation philosophy.<br>
<br>
Saturday my husband and I spent two and one half hours with a neighbor
and her family due to her recent loss of eye sight. I found it
appalling that her medical doctor wrote out a prescription to get a white
cane. Of course, she took it to her local drug store who had no
clue, referred her to a Brace and Limb facility offering her no help, and
then she was lost. Her husband stopped us one night as we were
walking home from grocery shopping and stated he as seen us in the
neighborhood for years. I am so glad he did because I believe there
is tragedy in her story of trying to obtain a white cane. Now, she
and her family are connected and have the emotional support. We will aid
her in directing her to receive the services she needs, as well as being
role models of Federation philosophy. The reason I share the above
experience is because I do not believe it is unique and this resource
list will be a valuable tool for those who are newly blind or losing
their eye sight.<br>
<br>
If you are a professional that is interested in being listed on the
resource, please send me your name, credentials, and contact
information. If you would like to also provide insurance panels
that you are a provider for that would be an added benefit.<br>
<br>
You may email me at
<a href="mailto:merrys@verizon.net">merrys@verizon.net</a> or call me at
813 625 1850.<br>
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Thank you!<br>
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With love, hope, and determination,<br>
Merry C. Schoch LCSW<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Human Services Division<br>
President <br>
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